Canada’s Prime Minister Says Marijuana Legalization Law to be Ready by Summer

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says legislation to legalize marijuana should be ready by the summer.

The comments came yesterday at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt during the start of a two-day trip for Trudeau to Victoria and Vancouver. Trudeau – who made it a campaign promise to legalize marijuana – says that until the upcoming proposal becomes law, Canadians must follow existing policies regarding cannabis.

“Until we have a framework to control and regulate marijuana, the current laws apply,” he said.

In December Canada’s Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation recommended that the nation legalize the plant for everyone 18 and older, while setting a limit of 30 grams (just over an ounce).

According to a report released in October, Canada’s legal marijuana industry is expected to be worth $23 billion annually, surpassing the total market for beer, wine and spirits.

A Nanos survey released in July found that 69% of those in Canada who are 18 and older support legalizing cannabis, with just 26% opposed.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.